Gonzales hits proposed power rate hike of Ileco I

By Leny G. Gabo

Philippine Councilors League (PCL) President Lilia Gonzales criticized the impending power rate increase of P.40 per kilowatt-hour being asked by the Iloilo Electric Cooperative ( Ileco ) I.

Gonzales said any hike in power rate would be another burden for the consumers.

She added that the power increase is not justified citing the late payment of Ileco I of real property taxes due the provincial government despite the fact that it has savings of almost P43,072,118 from 1995-2001.

Further, she cited that consumers are over-charged of its system loss from the standard of 12 percent to 17 percent.

According to Gonzales the overcharges in 1999 reached to P1 ,876,758 .

She stressed, “ these are just examples of the modus operandi of Ileco I of sucking the consumers dry! These are indications that warrant our undivided attention in looking into the operation of this electric cooperative.”

Gonzales urged the provincial board to help investigate the operation of the electric cooperative and to oppose the impending power rate increase of P.40 per kilowatt-hour next month.

“What we have done in the past in the face of these immoral and oppressive practices of this electric cooperatives ? I therefore ask you that we oppose this impending power rate increase, and to initiate a thorough investigation regarding the operation of electric cooperatives, so that our consumers can avail of lower power rate,” added Gonzales.